Very little is known about his early life. Chosen 69th pope. Enacted rules on the rights of sanctuary. Ordered that church notaries obey civil law on wills. Prohibited acolytes to translating the relics of martyrs without orders, and from routine baptisms. A great supporter of evangelizing the English, he conducted correspondence with many church and civil rulers in the British Isles. Noted by his contemporaries for his mild, gentle demeanor, and for his love and support of the clergy.